First-time claims for unemployment insurance increased statewide in November compared to a year ago but were down in Gainesville.
State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler says Gainesville was one of five metropolitan areas in the state showing a decline in the number of applications, with a decrease of 9.7 percent. The others were Hinesville (27.6 percent), Savannah (19.1), Brunswick (5.5), and Augusta (2.3 percent). The nine other metro areas showed increases, led by Warner Robins, Rome, and Macon.
Statewide claims were up 21 percent
